Lupien rose from the bed, stretching slightly as Sorayah began removing his nightclothes, revealing his well-toned, sculpted physique. Without wasting time, she dressed him in a regal red tunic embroidered with intricate dragon patterns.
She tightened the belt with calculated force, just enough to make him grunt in discomfort. She pretended not to notice.
"Careful, you maid!" the eunuch snapped from the corner, unable to stay silent any longer. "Mind your hands!"
"I can't die that easily," Lupien muttered, suddenly grabbing Sorayah's wrists and yanking her toward him. The move caught her off guard...her chest now pressed against his as their eyes locked, faces just inches apart.
The eunuch and the other servants had already averted their eyes, instinctively stepping back to give Lupien the privacy he clearly wanted....though he hadn't asked.
